tighten control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tighten control" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation where you are increasing restrictions or increasing monitoring in order to ensure more control. For example: "In order to improve efficiency, we need to tighten control on our budgeting process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Putin has already begun to tighten control.

The New York Times

But officials are trying to tighten control over culture generally.

The Economist

The president continues to take steps to tighten control.

The New York Times

They tighten control over you in Chinese-language territory.

The New York Times - Books

Periodically, the government tries new ways to tighten control, including police raids.

The New York Times

Reform the Schengen agreement to tighten control of the EU's external borders.

The Guardian

The revamping was part of a larger effort to tighten control and slim operations.

The New York Times

This stunning victory allowed Thatcher to tighten control over her Cabinet.

Independent

Last month, his Parliament moved to tighten control over Internet sites, protesters and nonprofit organizations.

The New York Times

C1 Shareholders Grip Gazprom Shareholders in the world's biggest natural gas company voted in Moscow to tighten control over management.

The New York Times

In exchange the European Union and Russia agreed to tighten control of the export of weapons technology to Iran.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tighten control", clearly specify the area or aspect over which control is being increased to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "tighten control" without specifying what is being controlled. Vague statements can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tighten control" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a predicate to express an action. It denotes the act of increasing or reinforcing authority, regulation, or supervision over something. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

17%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tighten control" is a frequently used and grammatically sound verb phrase that conveys the act of enhancing authority, regulation, or supervision. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, it carries a neutral to professional tone. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the subject of control and avoid overgeneralizations. Alternatives like "strengthen control" or "intensify control" can offer nuanced expressions depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Strengthen control

Emphasizes making control more robust or firm.

Intensify control

Suggests making control more extreme or rigorous.

Reinforce control

Highlights the act of making existing control stronger.

Enhance supervision

Focuses on improving the monitoring aspect of control.

Increase oversight

Emphasizes expanding the scope of monitoring and regulation.

Bolster authority

Highlights reinforcing the power or right to control.

Clamp down

Informal way to suggest stricter enforcement of rules.

Exercise more restraint

Shifts focus to self-regulation or limitation of actions.

Impose stricter regulations

Focuses on establishing stricter rules and guidelines.

Centralize authority

Highlights concentrating control in a central entity.

FAQs

How can I use "tighten control" in a sentence?

You can use "tighten control" to describe actions taken to increase regulation or oversight, such as "The government is seeking to tighten control over internet content" or "The company decided to tighten control over its spending."

What are some alternatives to "tighten control"?

Alternatives include "strengthen control", "intensify control", or "increase oversight" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "tighten control" or "increase control"?

Both "tighten control" and "increase control" are acceptable. "Tighten control" suggests a more precise or fine-tuned adjustment, while "increase control" implies a broader enhancement of authority or regulation.

What does it mean to "tighten control"?

To "tighten control" means to exert more authority, implement stricter regulations, or enhance oversight in a particular area, aiming for improved management and compliance.